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0-commonsence · 2 months ago

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CONTEXT: INDEPENDENT WRITING CLASS

TOPIC: SHORT STORY.

In the land of Zeelin lives four kingdoms, Asta - the land of magic, Clover - the land of merchants, Diamond - the land of creatures, and Pearl - the land of the people. Within the forest that borders the four kingdoms lives New Elfs, three elf tribes. Zo, Rei, and Chlo. In the heart of New Elfs lives a family who hosts a daughter, Aiko. She’s the main character of this story.

Aiko sat perched atop a branch, bow loaded with an arrow, aiming for the red spiral a couple yards away. Akio pulled back the string of the bow, locking in on the target. “3... 2…” Aiko mumbled, squinting her eyes a bit as she focused solely on the target.

“Aiko!” Aiko jumped, releasing the arrow. It went completely off its original course. She looked down at Zuko, the menace who she somehow befriended. He only smirked in response, leaning against a nearby tree. Aiko sighed, seeing his smirk. “You’re annoying,” Aiko stated as if it was a fact as she jumped down from the branch.

“Uh huh...but y’know you love me.” Zuko teased, some of his red, fluffy hair moving softly in the breeze. Aiko’s own soft, green strands moved with the wind, her tan skin glistening under the limited sunlight. They’re in a forest after all, surrounded by evergreen trees. Akio rolled her eyes at Zuko’s statement. She slotted her bow back into its pouch with its arrows, it being secured with a brown strap across her torso. “Come on, Mami’s making potato, bean, and rabbit meat soup. She’ll be upset if we’re late.” Aiko informed, adjusting her blue tube top as well as her pink and blue kilt to sit atop one of her hip bones. The breeze blew softly, rustling the leaves of the evergreen trees.

“Yeah, I know.” Zuko huffed, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his blue shorts. “One time, she shot an arrow over my head when I came back late.” Zuko continued. Mya, Aiko’s mom, is a bit hot-headed, but she cares. Zuko and Aiko soon started making their way through the forest of evergreens, a comforting silence overtaking the once active atmosphere. As they walked along the thick forest floor, Aiko began to get lost in her thoughts.

‘The annual exam is in three days. People from all over Zeelin will be coming to apply, to take the exam to get into Winix Academy. I just hope I can pass.. That I can get into at least class A. I’m aiming for class S, but I’ll hope for class A. See, Winix has a system. The higher the class you get into, the closer you get to working under the king. Vin Vinsawn. You get the option to join his knight squad, svijetao, once you get to class S.’ Akio’s knocked from her thoughts by Zuko.

“Y’know, I heard from a Chlo that Vin Vinswan is supposed to be overlooking this year's exam.” Zuko piped up as they walked up the stone steps leading to their home. Aiko sighed, hearing that. She doesn’t need another reason to be even more nervous than she already is.

“Hey..” Zuko started, gently grabbing her shoulder before they reached the wooden door of their family home. Aiko lifted her gaze from the floor to Zuko’s own blue eyes. “You’re gonna do great, okay?” Zuko whispered, his tone as comforting and gentle as he could muster. He’s seen her combat skills. And her archery skills? She can hit any target presented to her, moving or not. She’s just as great, if not better, than a magic wielder.

Aiko let out a shaky breath, parting her lips to speak. Before she could get a word out, the door opens, revealing Mya, Aikos mom. Mya stands in the doorway, her hands on her hips. “Aiko Mojca Zo. How many times do I have to tell you that you're amazing?” Mya scolded, her white locks up in a braid. Her piercing amber eyes -that match Aiko’s own- locking on the fifteen year olds form. She rarely used full names, and when she does, it's bad. The sounds of the grass crumpling and voices talking filled the three ears for a few seconds, other elfs going about their day.

Aiko huffed, locking eyes with her mom. “Yes, Mami. I know.” Aiko sassed, giving her mom a ‘I know, you’ve told me’ kinda look. Zuko looked between the two before letting out a small chuckle. Mya sighs, grabbing both of the two and dragging them inside by the forearm.

“You two need to eat. The exam is in three days, right?” Mami said, flicking her wrist and making the two appear in the green kitchen chairs. Their home kitchen isn’t big, but it isn’t small either. A furnace is sat on a gray back wall, used for preparing hot foods. Overtop is a big black pot, letting the aroma of the potato, bean, and rabbit meat soup fill the home. Aiko’s family home is in the heart of New Elfs. It’s a small, two floor, stone cottage with flowers decorating the window sills outside.

Aiko slumped in her chair, but didn’t argue. She knew better. Last time she did that, Mami used her for attack magic practice. Zuko sat next to her, immediately grabbing a spoon once a bowl was placed down in front of him. He didn’t waste time either, eating a big spoon full of soup. Once a bowl is placed down in front of Aiko, Mami gives her a kiss on the back of her head, the gesture being gentle and sweet. “You don’t know when you’ll have my cooking again. You should enjoy it. Besides, Papa should be home soon.” Aiko couldn’t help but smile at Mami’s words and sweet affection. Aiko won’t admit this out loud, but she loves it. Aiko gave in, as she always does, and started eating along-side Zuko. That’s how it always goes.

While Aiko and Zuko finished up their food, Papa or Yuri, showed up as Mami said he would. “Mojca! Zu!” Papa called as he walked through the door, his green hair a bit messy from the gentle winds outside. Papa is part of the hunting elfs. They go out during the day to hunt prey for food, in other words, they hunt animals like rabbits, three horned deer, two headed wolves, and red cows. All the tribes, Zo, Rei, and Chlo, take part. Usually, elfs will train to become hunters. More often than not, it’s for food purposes. Sometimes though, it’s for the actual fighting aspect. The will to protect the tribes. Reason being, around 10 years ago, there was a mass assassination on New Elfs. A little more than half were killed that day, including Zuko’s parents. If they aren’t hunters, they usually go to Venna in Diamond kingdom. An academy to hon your magic abilities. It’s not very often an elf will want to work under the king, nor is it common for elfs to work under the king at all.

But this is how it usually is in Aiko’s family home, chaotic. They’ve always had a good family relationship. Especially Aiko and Zuko. They’ve become such great friends, they’re basically family. Scratch that, they are family. Aiko can’t imagine her life without Zuko. And Zuko can't imagine his life without Aiko. They’re practically glued to each other.

That night, Aiko sat in her bed, staring up at the stars through her bedroom window. The gentle glow of the moonlight cast a soft ray of light on Aiko’s soft features. She could only hope that she would pass the exam and get into Winix Academy. Aiko’s dream has always been working under the king, getting into svijetao. Especially since the new rise of Tama. Tama is this group that formed several years ago, their leader is Tooru Harshira.

Aiko sighs, laying back in her bed. She could feel the excitement and nervousness coursing through her veins. Even though the exam isn’t for another two days, Aiko still finds herself unable to sleep properly. Aiko’s gaze flicks over her room, taking in the painted green walls, the soft glow of the light above her bed, and the ivory vines hanging along her ceiling. She hasn’t changed it since she was ten. And honestly? She doesn’t want to leave it either. Aiko pulls her white covers over her thin frame, closing her eyes. She’ll just have to take it all in while she still can. Soon, sleep took over and Aiko’s soft breaths filled the room.

It didn’t take long for those two days to pass by. Eventually, it was time for Aiko and Zuko to head off to Asta Kingdom. That morning, Mami made them a special send off breakfast. “Aiko. Zuko. Do be careful.” Mami inquired, her tone soft and worried as she set their plates of pancakes topped with strawberries down. Zuko, as usual, dug in right away. Aiko huffed an amused laugh at Zuko’s behavior. She loved the little glutton. Aiko picked up a fork and began eating. She swallowed a piece of pancake before responding to Miami.

“I will, Mami. Though, I can’t say the same for this impulsive gluten over here.” Aiko’s gaze went over to Zuko, who’s scarfing the pancakes down. It seems Aiko’s words don’t exactly reach Zuko’s ears since he just keeps eating. Mami, however, lets out a small giggle.

“Yes, he is quite the glutton.” She mumbled softly, before going back over to Papa who is currently crying crocodile tears. Papa gets really emotional at times, and it seems that this is one of those times. Aiko contines eating her breakfast, wanting to savor it because it’s the last bit of home she’s gonna get for awhile.

Surprisingly, the four make it to the edge of New Elfs. Aiko and Zuko stand at the gate, looking at the forest beyond that leads to Asta. Mami lets a warm smile make its way onto her face as she watches her two children. They’re all grown up, getting ready to leave on their own. Papa wipes a tear from his eye, sniffing a bit. As much as he doesn’t want to see them go, he’s proud of what they are and of what they choose to do moving forward.

“Mojca. Zu. You’ll do great.” Papa whispers, just loud enough for the two to hear. Aiko and Zuko turn around with big grins on their faces, excitement coursing through the both of them. Aiko gives Mami and Papa a gentle wave, “Volim te, Mami. Papa.” Aiko’s voice is soft and caring for this moment of affection and love. Aiko’s green hair is up in a beautiful, soft braid, exposing her pointy elf ears. Her bow and arrows secured with a brown strap across her torso, her blue tube top in place with light straps on her shoulders, her pink and blue kilt in place by a black string hugging her right hip bone, and her lace up back flats secured on her feet.

Zuko on the other hand.. “Volim te! Mami! Papa! Volim te!” Zuko practically yells, waving his hand aggressively. Zuko’s red hair moves with the soft wind, his torso bare with only a black string with a blue gem hanging around his neck and his own bow and arrows secured around his torso, blue shorts worn at his hips, a green kilt atop one of his hip bones, and black flats secured to his own feet. Aiko can’t help but smile at Zuko’s energy. He’s always so lively and hyperactive. It’s adorable, really.

Papa, however, only gets more emotional at this. He can’t hold back his tears any longer. Papa turns and wraps his arms around Mami’s waist, hiding his face in her neck. Gentle sobs could be heard from Papa as his shoulders shook slightly. Mami only laughs softly at Papa, running her fingers through Papa’s hair with one hand, and rubbing his back with the other. Mami looked at Aiko and Zuko before nodding with a smile, signaling that they could start their new journey to Asta, complete the exam, and get into Winix Academy. Aiko and Zuko both let out soft laughs at Papa’s behavior. He might be a bit of a crybaby at times, but he’s strong and good-hearted.

With soft sighs, Aiko and Zuko turned back to the forest beyond the New Elfs gate. Aiko held the strap of her bow and arrows, looking at the path in front of her with determination. She will be strong, and she will get into Winix Academy. Aiko glanced at Zuko, who’s already walking ahead in confident strides. She shook her head lightly before following him down their new path. They both will. She knows it.

The further they get from New Elf’s, the more Aiko finds herself lost in her thoughts. Aiko’s amber eyes stared loosely at the ground as she walked ahead, watching the leaves crumple under her feet with every step. ‘Soon, we’ll get into Asta. Take the exam. And get into Winix Academy. I know we can do it. We’ll make it. We’ll make it in. Then, we can join svijetao together.’ Aiko suddenly feels a pinch on her side. Aiko’s head shoots up and she punches Zuko on the shoulder, not hard, but enough to make him let go.

“Hey! That hurts, y’know!” Zuko whines, a mock pout on his face as he rubs his shoulder. Aiko doesn’t even spare Zuko a glance, keeping her head forward with a small smile on her face. Aiko clasped her hands behind her back, walking ahead of Zuko a bit. Zuko only pouts further at being ignored. Zuko quickly catches up with her, popping up behind her with a pout.

“Hay, Aiko!” Zuko whines again. Aiko doesn’t respond, instead only walking forward as if she can’t hear him.

A few minutes later. “Aiko!” Nothing.

An hour later. “Hey!” Nope.

A long walk later. “Hello!” Aiko only continues walking, the sound of leaves crumpling following her.

Finally, Zuko uses the only thing he can think of.

“Mojca?” Zuko tries, using Aiko’s middle name in hopes she would stop whatever game she’s playing. Aiko stops in front of a huge metal gate, before turning around towards Zuko. Aiko has a huge smile on her face, her tan skin looking sun kissed under the open sunlight. Aiko unclasped her hands from behind her back, motioning towards the gate.

“I present you…Asta!” Aiko says loudly, barely containing her excitement. Zuko’s eyes widen once he sets his gaze on the land before him. The huge metal gate is open, revealing the mass of people walking along the kingdom. There's shops, homes, and roads with carriages. Most importantly, there's the king's castle and Winix Academy. The castle stands in the background of Asta, its white wall standing tall over the land, two buildings with pointed roofs on either side of a much larger building with a somewhat flat roof. Winix Academy stands tall with purple walls and a gray gate surrounding it.

“Woah...we’re actually here!” Zuko exclaims, his excitement matching Aiko’s own. Zuko’s own dark skin beaming with the soft glow of the open sun. Zuko’s red hair lying messily on his head. Aiko grabs the brown strap of her bow and arrows with one hand, staring at Zuko with a soft smile before grabbing his wrist, making him look at her.

“This is where it begins. Come on, the exam starts soon!” Aiko insisted, turning around, pulling Zuko along and into the gate. They’ve officially entered Asta. They start their journey now.

Seas of people crowded the way to Winix. Mostly citizens of Asta, some outsiders too. Asta is a land that welcomes all. Big and small, ugly and beautiful, magic and no magic.

Aiko pushed past them, yelling,

“Excuse me!”

“Coming through!”

After pushing past the seas of people, Aiko and Zuko are met with the open gate of Winix Academy. Aiko lets out a shaky breath, already feeling more nervous now that she’s actually in front of Winix. It’s much easier to imagine her going inside than actually going inside. Aikos' soft green braid cascades down her back, tickling her soft skin as she looks up at the purple walls that are Winix Academy. Aiko feels a sudden squeeze on her hand, causing her to look down. Aiko’s gaze finds Zuko’s hand squeezing hers.

“We’re gonna do amazing. Just breathe, okay?” Zuko whispered, just loud enough for Aiko to hear. Aiko looked up at Zuko, meeting his gaze. Aiko nodded her head and took a deep breath.

“We got this.” Aiko whispered back, giving a gentle squeeze back. And so, the two went inside after writing their names on the examine list.

Inside, they found hundreds of people, if not more. All fifteen years of age. They stood in a large room with pale blue walls, a set of white steps on either side that lead to another floor. Though, one major difference between them and everyone else is the heritage. It’s as clear as day. While Aiko and Zuko wore less than traditional clothing, everyone else wore at least some form of traditional clothing. That’s not what caught Aiko’s eye though. No. It’s the pretty patterns and styles of clothing each person wore. Especially long, flowy dresses some of the girls wore. They didn’t have those back in New Elfs, sadly.

Neither Aiko or Zuko heard the fast, almost angry footsteps coming in hot from behind them. Not until a hand laid on both of their shoulders, pushing them apart harshly. Aiko’s head snapped towards this new presence, getting ready to yell at them about having some manners. Aiko’s amber eyes met annoyed green ones. “You could have some manners, y’know. You can’t just shove people around.” Aiko stated, her eyebrows furrowed. She roughly moved the guy's hand off her shoulder. Aiko’s words seem to have struck a chord within this guy because he scoffed and crossed his arms.

“And what do you know about manners, commoner?” He asked, leaning down, some of his long blonde hair falling over his shoulders. Aiko’s gaze flicked over this guy's appearance. Long blonde hair, green eyes. He wore a black vest, white button up shirt, black dress pants, and black dress shoes. He would be exactly her type if he wasn’t such a jerk. Aiko held the brown strap of her bow and arrows, narrowing her eyes at this guy.

“Clearly more than you.” Aiko voiced, her hands tightening around the brown strap. The guy just scoffed and walked off. As soon as he walked off, Zuko rushed back to Aiko’s side and grabbed her shoulders.

“Are you crazy!?” Zuko whispered-yelled as he shook Aiko a bit roughly. Zuko just witnessed Aiko talk back to Leo Vinswan, the grandson of the king and the son of the headmaster of Winix Academy. Aiko grabbed Zuko's forearms to get him to stop shaking her.

“What? He was being a jerk!” Aiko explained, pointing in the direction of said jerk. Zuko quickly grabbed Aiko’s hand and held it down by her side. Zuko sighed, looking down at the floor then back up at Aiko.

“That was Leo Vinswan. He’s not only the grandson of the king, but the son of the headmaster as well.” Zuko pointed out tiredly. Aiko’s eyes widened, not comprehending that the jerk from earlier is actually related to the king. How can someone so snobbing and full of themselves be related to someone so kind? Before Aiko could say anything, a horn was blown, signaling the attention of everyone.

Everyone's attention goes to the balcony that overlooks the first floor. Aiko and Zuko both follow everyone else's gaze, seeing Estan and Vin Vinswan. The king and headmaster. Estan looks out over the balcony, leaning his hands against it, some of his blonde hair falling over his shoulders. Estans purple suit sparkling in the light as he looks over this year's crowd of examinees. Vin stands next to him, his white robe gently brushing the floor, his gray hair up in a bun. The air is thick with tension. So much so, it’s almost suffocating.

“Welcome to this year's exam!” Estan announces, clearly not as happy as he sounds. His green eyes are piercing and intimidating, his expression is almost blank. ‘That’s probably where Leo gets it from.’ Aiko thinks, staring up at the headmaster and king. Aiko didn’t want to make assumptions though.

“I hope you all do your best. With that being said, the exam for Winix academy will now commence.” Estan finishes. The air gets thick again. Aiko and Zuko look at each other, sharing knowing glances.

And so, the exam commences. The exam has various tests, most of them involving magic. Aiko, being one who can’t use magic, doesn’t get very far. It gets to the point where she’s actually afraid she might not get in at all. Then, a new test presents itself. One where you have to hit a moving target, not just any moving target, one moving at normal wind speeds.

Aiko stands in the middle of the large room, bow and arrow in hand. Aiko’s amber eyes directed at the target. She closes her eyes for a moment, taking a shaky breath. ‘You can do it,’ she tells herself. Aiko opens her eyes and reels back the string of the bow, eyes locked on the target. Aiko ignores all the eyes on her, instead imagining she’s out in her forest at home, practicing.

Aiko waits for the target to get in line with her arrow a few times. After the third time, Aiko aims and she shoots.

It’s quiet for a few seconds, before the noise of the target stops and it’s shown that she hit it directly in the center. A lot better than most. Half of them couldn’t even hit the target. Aiko smiles to herself, though she knows that the chances of her getting into class A or class S are slim, but it’s not completely out of the question.

Once the exam is over, Aiko and Zuko stand side by side, hand in hand. Aiko takes a shakey breath, squeezing Zuko's hand. Aiko gets a reassuring squeeze in return. Zuko knows Aiko will get in. She has too. She deserves it. She’s worked too hard not too.

A bell being rung can be heard throughout the room.

Aiko and Zuko both close their eyes, listening intently as names start being listed off. Names of people who will get into Winix. Aiko’s heart feels like it’s going to beat out of her chest from how nervous she is. Zuko’s own heart feels the same, except from excitement.

Then, Aiko and Zuko hear it.

“Aiko Zo. Zuko Zo. Class A”

This is it. This is where it all begins. Aiko. Zuko. Welcome to Winix Academy.

(Also posted on wattpad, but it's an actual book call zeelin saga.)

#creative writing #writerscommunity #writing class #writers on tumblr #writing #writeblr

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